Aww, I had the same image. One flew over the koocoo's nest, girl interrupted. We actually watched girl interrupted while I was there in one of the tv rooms. I was in a room with one other girl, just like regular hospital rooms. I am anorexic so I was watched closely at meal times. There are tv rooms, a library room, a puzzle table. A big lunch room, which has games and stuff for when meals are not going on. There was extra food for snacks. It was little boring if your manic. I had fresh air passes and my time allotted went up with trust. There is a patio with plants and tables and chairs. You can have visitors. I was not forced to take my meds but I did take them, and lots of them for me, more so than the depressed people.

The nurses would talk to you privately to check in with you. As well as your pdoc, mine was on vacation so I saw the on call pdoc. The nurses were more pleasant then other wards I've been on like maternity. I had to sleep and wake at regular times. Was not allowed caffeine tho they had decaf.

We have a small hospital in a small city. So it may be much different depending on the facility. I hope that helped a bit.